Invitations have been sent, fun activities are scheduled, and Scotty the Bear is ready to welcome thousands of alumni, family, students, and friends during the Nov. 16-17 celebrations.
Homecoming is an opportunity for visitors to experience the university’s growth by participating in tours across campus, including science labs, the Botanic Gardens, and the brand-new Career Center. Activities are plentiful: Scot Fest, the annual Homecoming bonfire, the Athletics Hall of Fame celebration, an open house at UCR ARTS, as well as the Spirit of the Tribes 5K run/walk. Some campus groups are also organizing reunions and dinners on and off campus.
The campus’ physical expansion includes the Multidisciplinary Research Building, a $150 million edifice that is near completion. MRB sits on 2.1 acres at the corner of Aberdeen and North Campus drives. It will house 56 researchers and their teams.
“UC Riverside is a university on the rise; the many accolades we’ve received this year are a testament to the great foundation that was established by those who came before us,” said Jorge Ancona, assistant vice chancellor of Alumni Engagement and executive director of the UCR Alumni Association. “We want alumni and the rest of our visitors to know how much the campus has grown. In addition to MRB, plans are under way to build new multi-level student housing to accommodate the growing student body, and the Barn is undergoing major renovations.”
Last year’s Homecoming celebrations drew more than 3,500 attendees.
“Alumni are always welcome back to their alma mater,” Ancona said. “We encourage them to experience the campus with their families and friends. There is so much to discover and be proud of.”
A few highlights
University Honors will celebrate its upward trajectory with a 30th anniversary luncheon and an alumni and student mixer. Both are free.
Luncheon attendees will receive UCR Honors swag. The second portion of the day will offer a student-alumni mixer where students will get to meet alumni who can offer career advice.
Alumnus Steven Nuñez, a San Diego attorney, will be the featured guest speaker during the luncheon. The afternoon’s keynote speaker will be Richard Cardullo, Howard H Hays Jr. chair of University Honors.
“Honors alumni should attend because it’s a time to reconnect to the campus, be inspired by our current honor students and have an opportunity to give back to the honors community,” said Lourdes Maldonado, outreach and programs specialist with University Honors.
Chicano Latino Alumni will have its fifth-annual networking dinner and scholarship awards ceremony. The evening includes a silent auction and a dance. A portion of the proceeds is designated to help fund scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. In 2017 Chicano Latino Alumni awarded 13 scholarships, totaling $12,000.
Families and friends are welcome to attend Parent and Family Day. Rachel Wu, an assistant professor of psychology, will be speaking on how people can continue learning through adulthood. Registration includes a ticket to the Homecoming men’s basketball game.
UCR ARTS, located in downtown Riverside, will have an open house on Nov. 16 featuring seven of its current exhibitions. UCR ARTS is comprised of the California Museum of Photography and the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts.
And for those who live outside of the region, UCR might visit your hometown soon. Experience UC Riverside's Living the Promise receptions, available in several cities across the United States. The gatherings are scheduled through May 2019. For upcoming regional events, visit: alumni.ucr.edu/regionalevents
What you need to know:
Registration (note the top four tabs): homecoming.ucr.edu
Dates: Nov. 16-17.
Times: Vary. Check the website for a complete list of events
Parking: Free, follow sign to designated lots.
Homecoming basketball game: 4 p.m., UCR vs UC Merced
Homecoming 2017 recap:
